God’s Adoration in the Midst of Oppression by Dr. Glenn Jago

There is often a lingering misunderstanding when it comes to the believer’s suffering at the hands of the opposition. We question the goodness of the Lord, because why would a good God allow such pain to take place, especially to those serving Him faithfully. Regrettably, it is too easy to forget the words of the Lord when he declared, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways” (Isa. 55:9). Peter answers, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings” (1 Pet. 4:13). Biblically, affliction is not the reason to abandon God’s adoration, but rather the means for producing His highest glory.

Interestingly, the Lord permitted the martyrdom of James but not of Peter. There was no apparent reason for the angel to free Peter once again (5:19), except the good pleasure of His will and the furthering of the Gospel. The events of this chapter reveal insight about God and about what to do when facing the enemies of God. One truth is absolute; Jesus Christ will receive adoration, whether in our death or life. Importantly then, we must learn that the enemy is powerless to stop the work of God.